VOLUME 1 ISSUE 1
WWW.THEMEDIAPLEX.COM
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2018
Weather
Food
News
Sports
Find out why Canadians should expect a warmer winter this year, Page 4.
Learn about a new vegan option for pizza lovers in Windsor, Page 7.
Know the importance of a carbon monoxide detector in your home, Page 9.
Find out how high school students can sharpen their athletic skills, Page 10.
BRETT BLAKE/MediaPlex Examiner
Diane Vassallo, Windsor’s only deaf roller derby player.
The game changer By Brett Blake
MediaPlex Examiner
A deaf woman in Windsor is not letting language barriers stop her from being a team player. Diane Vassallo was a child when she found an interest in roller skating at Wheels Roller Rink. She also watched roller derby matches on TV and became interested in the sport. She is Windsor’s first and only deaf roller derby player. “I used to go to Wheels. I would go to the roller discos and watch roller derby matches on TV,” Vassallo said. Roller derby is a contact sport with club teams world wide. It is a female dominated sport with growing male and unisex teams according to the Detroit Roller Derby League pamphlet
. It was under consideration to be in the 2020 Summer Olympics, according to NBC Sports. “As I got older, I did not do it as much but then I saw something on the news and found out we had a league here and I just happened to go to a pub one night that there was a fundraiser being held,” Vassallo said. “When I realized it was for the Border City Brawlers roller derby team, I was excited and wanted to join right away and now I have been involved since 2011.” Like all team sports, communication and strategizing is an important key to winning a roller derby match. “When I joined, I was lagging far behind. I did not know all the rules of the game, and most of the players had no way to
communicate with me. Fortunately, I had one teammate that knew a bit of American Sign Language and was very patient with me.” Vasallo said The deaf community is no stranger to oppression. “I did not really get coach support,” Vassallo said. “There was just a lot of lack of communication and I felt ignored, but my teammates really helped me progress.” Carey Finn-Purcella, Vassallo’s current teammate for the Devil’s Night Dames in the Detroit Roller Derby league saw past the language barrier. “When she started playing for Detroit, I thought she would be a great addition to our league but I did not have any specific thoughts regarding her being Deaf. I still think she is a great ad-
dition to our league,” Finn-Purcella said. “Deafness does not hinder her. I believe that she just has to adjust certain aspects of how she plays.” Roller derby includes a lot of noise including crowds cheering, referees blowing whistles and teammates shouting plays, and being able to hear can often be taken for granted. “I think she is a wonderful person and has been incredibly helpful in teaching us how to communicate with her. She has posted videos so that we can learn American Sign Language and always takes the time to help us understand the language,” said Finn-Purcella You can see Vassallo play on Nov. 17 at 5 p.m. at the Masonic Temple located in Detroit.
LOCAL NEWS PAGE 2
WWW.THEMEDIAPLEX.COM
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2018
Windsor tests OD prevention site By Eleanor Dhillon Mediaplex Examiner
Windsor has launched a mock overdose prevention site to help raise awareness about the rising number of opioid related deaths in the city. The site was launched at the beginning of August 2018, and was originally set up on Ouellette Avenue. However, after receiving complaints from residents nearby they were forced to move the location to 759 Victoria Manor. The site was introduced to help reduce the number of overdoses in the city of Windsor. The goal is to approach people in a non-judgmental way to make them feel comfortable when asking for help. Star Meloche is a member of the Overdose prevention committee. She assisted with the setup of the project and has been working at the site since it was launched. Meloche, over the years, has noticed a large increase of overdoses and drug related deaths. Concerned for the drug user community, Meloche said the majority of drug users are usually people dealing with mental health issues. In order to successfully move forward Meloche believes the stigma surrounding drug consumption needs to come to an end. “When you tell someone
who takes drugs that they are a ‘bad person’ they think ‘well I’m not worthy and I can’t get help’;” said Meloche. Members of the overdose prevention committee feel the media coverage of the program has been mostly negative but there has also been a large amount of support from the community and volunteers. “We’ve been starting to get more positive feedback than negative which is really exciting and unusual,” said Meloche. “For a long time there was a lot of resistance.” Brandon Bailey is a representative of the overdose prevention site. Bailey said he thinks in order to help people you have to be able to understand them. “Many people do not understand addiction fully and judge a person’s journey way too quickly,” said Bailey. “People point a finger and say what a person with a substance abuse problem needs to do, but it’s often forgotten to ask the person suffering where they’re at and how we can help them.” For more information about the overdose prevention site . You can locate their pop up tent on 759 Victoria Manor. Anyone is welcome to volunteer and help. The site is open every day of the week from 5:30p.m. To 10 p.m. For any further information you can visit their Facebook page @WindsorOverdose-
AMO DHILLON/MediaPlex Examiner Paula Montilonie is the service support worker and team leader at the Downtown Mission in Windsor.
Resources for the homeless
By Amo Dhillon
Mediaplex Examiner
There are 30,000 Canadians who are homeless every night according to a new homelessness report. In the study, done by Canadian Homelessness Research Network, 200,000 Canadians experience homelessness, 150,000 use a homeless shelter, 30,000 are homeless on any given night and 50,000 are part of the “hidden homeless” This includes those staying with friends on a temporary basis. The Downtown Mission is open 24/7 and provides services for people who are in need. “We have hygiene products, clothing, food, place to sleep and counselling, housing applications referrals, mental health referrals and sleeping bags. We have it all,” said Paula Montilonie. Montilonie is a service support worker and team leader at the Downtown Mission in Windsor. ELEANOR DHILLON/MediaPlex Examiner The mission serves 600 meals a day and in the evening Star Meloche is a member of the Overdose Prevention Committee.
they fill more than 100 beds. Montilonie said people don’t realize there are options for after hours. “They think that when we close at nine they have no options,” said Montilonie. “If people have nowhere to go we encourage them to go to the Sanctuary.” The Sanctuary is an emergency crash-bed program run by the Mission. It’s open from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. Chris Clark, 52, became homeless two months ago but has not been working for the past two years. “I was in manufacturing and doing construction. The wages were good, and I had a good family but I ended up walking out the door,” said Clark. Clark uses Street Help to find places to stay. “It would be nice to see more housing.” The Downtown Mission has many programs to help provide for the homeless. Find out more information on their website.
PAGE 3
WWW.THEMEDIAPLEX.COM
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9 2018
PRANAV PATEL/MediaPlex Examiner
Mackenzie Hall Jail public parking will soon be available again.
Parking troubles at Mackenzie Hall Windsor, reached out to Monte McNaughton, the Minister of Infrastructure of Ontario The executive director of Rec- after residents were told they reation and Culture for the City cannot park at Mackenzie of Windsor assures the public Hall. Dilkens sent a request that parking at Mackenzie Hall to McNaughton to allow use will soon be available again. of the parking lot until the jail Windsorites have been unable is sold. The provincial govto use the parking lot since the ernment currently owns the old Windsor jail went up for sale. lot and adjacent jail building. The lot belongs to the jail site. The lack of parking is an isDrew Dilkens, mayor of sue for the people who visBy Pranav Patel
Mediaplex Examiner
it Mackenzie Hall. The hall is host to many organizations including Windsor Folk Music and Arts Society. Denis Bastareche performs for the group and is worried no parking will affect their events. “It would impact things in a sour way,” said Bastareche. “We have folks with limitations who cannot walk long distance, the performers themselves would have to carry
their instruments a long way.” Windsor Folk Music and Arts Society is a nonprofit organization. They pay to use Mackenzie Hall. With the possibility of lower attendance they will lose donations from these shows. “Windsor Folk could end after being in the community for 26 years,” said Bastareche. Updates will follow after Infrastructure Ontario reviews the case.
VINCE FERRARO/MediaPlex Examiner
Chrysler Pacificas at Provincial Chrysler.
Fiat Chrysler recalls cars in Windsor By Vince Ferraro Mediaplex Examiner
Representatives from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles have recalled 1,086 cars in Canada because of software issues. FCA recalled their 2017 and 2018 hybrid Pacificas. According to a Chrysler representative, this recall affects cars built in Canada and the
U.S. The problem is internal and is not a safety issue. A Chrysler line worker who is remaining anonymous due to company policies said the recall is precautionary. Unifor 444 refused to comment on the matter. “It never did come up, but they found a potential with this happening. There is the vapours, the gases are blurred up and it’s a potential (problem)
inside the converter,” said the worker. “They’re going to rectify this potential problem.” The car could potentially burn while switching from battery power to gasoline power. According to the worker, engineers are currently fixing errors to ensure it will not happen again. Les Hastings, a salesman at Windsor Chrysler, said he does not think
the recall will affect sales. “Every automaker has recalls on their products from time to time,” said Hastings. “The more technology we put into any vehicle, van, car, truck, domestic or import you are going to have revisions and corrections to make.” FCA has announced they will contact current Pacifica owners about their vehicles on Nov. 15.
PAGE 4
WWW.THEMEDIAPLEX.COM
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2018
Miss Tecumseh raises $400 for mental health By Hannah Davies Mediaplex Examiner
A group of young pageant winners are raising money for the Canadian Mental Health Association. Miss Tecumseh 2018, Suzie Sawicki, 18, and her team of pageant girls held a Halloween themed masquerade for mental health at the Tecumseh Arena on Friday, Oct. 26. Sawicki attended Assumption Collegiate and is current-
ly enrolled at the University of Windsor for communications and political science. She said she has been doing pageants since 2017, when she won the titles of Miss Goodwill and Miss Talent. “I worked hard to prepare myself for Miss Tecumseh and I ended up winning the crown,” said Sawicki. “I hope I can make a difference in the community with my title.” Sawicki worked with the other Miss Tecumseh titleholders
to create the Halloween masquerade and bring awareness to the cause and help those suffering in silence. Sawicki said she holds this cause close to her heart because her uncle took his own life three years ago, due to his battle with depression and anxiety. She has family members and friends who have battled with mental health issues. Sawicki’s charity of choice is the Hospice of Windsor Essex, and it will be the main focus
for raising funds for this year. “I believe that mental health awareness is an important cause because people of all ages deal with it,” said Sawicki. “I chose the masquerade theme because the event takes place near Halloween, it allows people to dress up and enjoy the night.” The event raised $400 which will be donated to the Windsor location of the Canadian Mental Health Association.
El Nino - A warmer winter and water temperature will be about half a degree to one degree warmer than normal. A climate expert said Wind- Weather expert David Phillips sor will have a slightly warmer said winter will be a lot longer winter this year due to El Nino. than last year. Local snowfall El Nino is a band of warm wa- is expected to be about 130 ter in the Pacific Ocean which cm, whereas in total last year can lead to a milder winter. there was 150 cm of snowfall. This year El Nino is weak “The El Nino is weak but it By Rajpreet Singh Mediaplex Examiner
does not mean that you can wear muscle shirts and tank tops in January,” said Phillips. Phillips also said the size of the El Nino is smaller, which means the temperature will not be affected too much in this area. According to Phillips the weather report stated the expected tem-
perature in Windsor during the months of December, January and February will be around 0 C in the daytime and minus 4 C at night. Even though there will be a temperature increase, people will still be able to enjoy winter activities such a snowmobiling and ice skating.
A HUGE thank you to Tim Hortons at University and Bruce for sponsoring this year’s Blitz!
PAGE 5
WWW.THEMEDIAPLEX.COM
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2018
MADELINE MAZAK/MediaPlex Examiner Dr. Montgomery, dean of education at the University of Windsor, responds to the Ford government’s proposed math proficiency tests.
Proposed math tests a ‘political strategy’ By Madeline Mazak Mediaplex Examiner
The dean of education at the University of Windsor said mandatory math tests for new educators proposed by the Ford government is a political strategy. The math proficiency test is part of a bill called the Safe and Supportive Classrooms Act proposed by the Progressive Conservative government. If passed, the bill will impose a mandatory math proficiency test on new educators before they can teach in Ontario. The bill was proposed in response to EQAO test results released August 2018 indicating that half of Ontario students are not meeting the provincial standard in math. “I think it is a political strategy,” said Dr. Montgomery, dean of education at the University of Windsor. “Slapping on a test is a really cost-effective way to demonstrate to the public that you are taking action. I don’t think a test will help our teacher candidates become more competent at teaching mathematics.” Montgomery said a proposed test could force the faculty of education and the Ontario College
of Teachers to look more closely at their programs, but he said that has already been occurring. Montgomery said changes made to the education program in 2016, expanding it from a one-year program to a two-year program, already jumpstarted faculties to evaluate their programs and priority areas, including math. He said this has strengthened the education received by graduates of the program who are entering the profession. Montgomery said they are already engaging in discourse with school boards in the area who have concerns about the quality of math instruction. According to Montgomery, superior ways to tackle the issue of declining math proficiency in Ontario schools are not being considered. He said the problem is these alternatives cost money. “If you want to encourage better math instruction, why not subsidize opportunities for current teachers to upgrade their math skills with additional qualifications,” said Montgomery. “Why not consider having a teacher who specializes in math move from class-to-class the same way that a music teacher does?” Montgomery said class sizes are
also increasing making it more difficult for teachers to teach math and for students to learn. He said allocating resources toward hiring more teachers and reducing class sizes could be another solution to improving the quality of education in schools. He said the government’s proposal of a mandatory math proficiency test came before consultation with key players in the education system occurred. This includes working with school boards, teacher unions, teacher federations and faculties of education to see what is already being done. Montgomery said he has already started to see anxieties expressed by teacher candidates about the proposed test. Kaleb Stropkovics, a second-year education student at the University of Windsor, said he was concerned when he first heard the government might impose a mandatory math test. “Growing up not being good at math and not following the rest of my class in math has led me this far into specializing in English,” said Stropkovics. “I don’t think teachers like myself who are passionate about one subject should miss out on a
teaching opportunity because of weaknesses in another subject.” Stropkovics said the math test is a Band-Aid to cover up real issues in the development of the math curriculum. Montgomery said the twoyear program gives teacher candidates the appropriate education in math for the level they wish to teach at when they enter the profession. A student who wants to teach at the elementary level is required to take two courses in math worth three credits. Students who plan to teach at the high school level take two courses in math worth 1.5 credits in addition to specializing in a teachable. Some students will choose to specialize in a teachable such as math making their course load more math-intensive. Most information about the proposed math test remains unclear. If the bill passes, it is unknown who will have to write the test and what math skills will be tested. “If we need to make sure that you pass a test that is imposed by the government we will make sure that happens,” said Montgomery. “We’ve got your back.”
PAGE 6
WWW.THEMEDIAPLEX.COM
SAM SINCLAIR/MediaPlex Examiner Katie Facecchia, Hackforge President.
WINnovating the tech industry
and with the increase in popularity of robotics clubs in the area. Yvonne Pilon, president With companies such as and CEO of WEtech, is excited Quicken Loans and Shopivo that high school students are opening headquarters in Wind- taking a serious interest in all sor there is no denying that the things tech. city is becoming an impressive “Tech talent is the biggest astech hub. set a city can have,” said Pilon. There is a growing interest “For our industries to grow we in the tech industry in the city need tech talent, so if you go especially with the prominence back 10 years ago or even five of the WEtech organization years ago, we had one local By Sam Sinclair
Mediaplex Examiner
high school robotics team. We now have 20.” Pilon believes that Windsor is already a tech hub, but that people are not focused on the right kind of tech. “When people think of technology traditionally, they think of Facebook and Google and apps and software. When we think of tech, it includes anything from advanced manufacturing to automation robotics,” said Pilon. “When we say Windsor will be a tech hub, we already are a tech hub, we already have innovation roots. We’re just growing on that.” Local businesses, such as Hackforge on Ouellette Avenue, are proof that there is interest and a desire to be involved with tech. Hackforge is an event space geared towards professionals and hobbyists in the tech industry. Katie Facecchia, president of Hackforge, said the business was started at a non-conference. “Somebody brought up ‘hey there’s no space for likeminded individuals around the tech community to get together and chat and talk and see what’s going on,’” said Facecchia. “What we offer most really is the networking opportunity. There’s interest groups across the board.” Although there is the interest and drive in the community there is still the belief that Windsor does not have any tech jobs. AlphaKOR is a local IT company that special-
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2018 izes in infrastructure, custom software and website development. Frank Abbruzzese, president of AlphaKOR, and Pilon say the jobs exist. “The stigma is there, the negativity is there and there’s a lot of players that are working on removing that. There are a lot of jobs,” said Abbruzzese. “There are a lot of opportunities, they’re very competitive.” “If you look specifically at the Information Communication Technologies sector we have 3,500 workers locally,” Pilon said. Quicken Loans coming to Windsor was a definite point of interest for Abbruzzese. “Quicken Loans investing in Windsor is a huge sign,” said Abbruzzese. “We’re going to find people are going to move from outside this region and they’re going to be a part of what we’ve been doing. They’re going to be a catalyst for an American office to move to Windsor with technology which is kind of cool and others are going to follow” Abbruzzese has advice for those looking to join the tech industry. “Build your network, go to events. In Windsor and Essex County were very, very fortunate. Attend events, there’s a lot of opportunities to attend networking events to meet people,” said Abbruzzese. It might be time to acknowledge that Windsor is already an impressive tech hub.
How America’s midterms affect Canada
By Maxwell de Liberato Mediaplex Examiner
Canada is a long time major trading partner with the U.S. and this long standing relationship has had more ups than downs over the years. With the U.S. midterms over it only leaves Canadians wondering where they are headed. Over 35 per cent of Ontario’s exports are in the automotive industry. Most of these vehicles exported go to the U.S. However, the negotiations on the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) trade deal are yet to be closed, and these negotiations could have an impact on Ontario’s economy. “That’s the one we’re going to be watching to see whether or not they’re going to pass it, the consensus says they will,” said Lydia Miljan, University of Windsor professor of political science. The U.S. reached some milestones this election, electing
their first native Indian and Muslim women representatives to Congress, a big move in making the U.S. government more diverse. “If politics are not diverse than those people who don’t show in politics will feel alienated,” said, William Anderson, who is also a University of Windsor political science professor. However, across the U.S. a staggeringly low amount of Americans voted in this election. Approximately 48 per cent in comparison to the 68.5 per cent voter turnout in Canada’s federal election in 2015. “People say they aren’t interested but those interested have the say.” said Anderson. With a 7.5 per cent decrease in voter turnout since the 2016 presidential election, it leaves questions as to why Americans are not turning up for elections and if they care about the political process or feel represented. “In general I don’t think it’s that much of a problem,” said
Anderson “It’s a social problem of a low level of participation in the political process.” “If someone doesn’t really have an opinion, it’s better that they don’t vote, otherwise they’re going to vote in a very opportune way,” said Anderson. Despite a lower voter turnout than 2016, it was the Democrats that came out on top this election with a majority vote in Congress. Despite the two countries connected borders, Canada’s foreign policy remains unaffected by Congress with the extreme exception of a war breaking out in North America. This election’s new governors and Congress members will have little effect on Canadian politics as long as a fair trade agreement can be maintained as well as the support of each other’s economies to avoid recession One thing that can come from the Democrat’s victory in this past midterm election is the
strength they hold in their new position to pressure President Trump to lift tariffs on steel and aluminum. With Trudeau as a left eaning Liberal and Trump a right leaning Republican, there is sure to be friction between the two countries. But with a more liberal Congress putting pressure on the GOP they will soon resolve matters of tariffs and trades. With pressure from the left on Trump, the Democrats will continue to push the closure of the USMCA negotiations, with a fair outcome possibly lifting the tariffs on Canada trade. As said by the 35th president of the United States, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, “there are risks and costs to action.”
LIFESTYLE/HEALTH PAGE 7
WWW.THEMEDIAPLEX.COM
KAMRYN CUSUMANO/MediaPlex Examiner Aaron Reimneitz, owner of Bull’s Eye Pizza South Windsor, in his pizzeria.
Local pizzeria makes vegan shift By Kamryn Cusumano Mediaplex Examiner
A local pizzeria is catering to a growing community of vegans in Windsor after seeing an unimaginable growth of vegan food sales and expects the trend to continue. Canadians are looking for more plant-based food options and Bull’s Eye South Windsor is happy to meet the demand. Bull’s Eye franchise owner Aaron Reimneitz was surprised when his vegan options began quickly outselling his non-vegan items. He believes the trend will continue with more people choosing healthier and environmentally conscious options. “The response has been unimaginable,” said Reimneitz. “I thought it would not kick up sales, I just did it because I’ve always had vegan options at my other locations. It’s just nothing like I’ve ever expected.” Reimneitz has been working in the restaurant industry since he was 17. He opened his own Bull’s Eye pizza franchise in South Windsor in March. He
expected to be slinging traditional pizza, but things took a shift when he accidentally created a vegan gravy which was met with an unexpected response from customers. “I wanted to do a vegetarian gravy that turned out vegan,” said Reimneitz. “I posted it on Facebook and the poutine took off.” Within 11 minutes he had the first poutine order and two and a half hours later he was completely sold out. “It was crazy to begin with,” said Reimneitz. “I thought, okay I’ll just make a few people happy. I was unaware of vegans of Windsor at that point.” After multiple requests to turn classic Bull’s Eye favourites into vegan items, Reimneitz saw an opportunity to capitalize on the demand. He launched a full vegan menu by the end of May and says every item on the menu can be made vegan. Bull’s Eye’s vegan food sales have surpassed regular item sales by more than 50 per cent every week. Reimneitz feels he
has tapped into an underdeveloped market considering the rising growth of people seeking plant-based options. According to research conducted at Dalhousie University, vegetarians and vegans now account for nearly 10 per cent of Canada’s population, which is encouraging restaurants and the meat and dairy industry to find new approaches. In Canada, 2.3 million people consider themselves vegetarians, an increase from 15 years ago when 900,000 people considered themselves vegetarian. Today 850,000 of Canadians consider themselves vegan. This makes 9.4 per cent of the Canadian population and the majority of which are under the age of 35. Being active on social media has allowed Reimneitz to communicate with the younger demographic that makes up most of his vegan food sales. He estimates most of his vegan sales are among the ages of 18-35 where he sees “huge numbers.” Bull’s Eye has partnered with other local millennial owned vegan companies in Windsor to diversify their menu. Vegan donuts are offered by Plantjoy, vegan sushi by the Avocado Pit and a cashew based cheese by the Vegan Gardiners. “We’re all young 20-somethings getting out there working together in the vegan community,” said Reimneitz, “It’s exploding now in numbers.” Reimneitz is confident the trend is here to stay with people becoming more aware of environmental and animal welfare issues. “I am 100 per cent expecting the trend to continue,” said Reimneitz. “I’m having customers see those stats, and they want to eat the same junk food but
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2018 they want to be eco-friendly so I think that has a lot to do with it. Accessibility to the product, five years ago you couldn’t get anything like this.” Reimneitz believes customers are driven to seek alternatives since becoming more aware of the environmental impact of the meat and dairy industry. Andrea Docherty is a registered dietician in Windsor and has seen an increase in clients asking about the vegan diet. She says the diet itself can be nutritionally balanced for any population. “The only thing is it does take a lot of extra planning and careful consideration of your diet to make sure you are getting all the nutrients you need,” said Docherty about the vegan diet. “I would recommend a vegan diet to someone if they know the risks, they may be low in nutrients.” Docherty recommends her clients eat one or two completely vegan or vegetarian meals every week. “A vegan diet that is well-balanced can be nutritionally adequate,” said Docherty. “But if someone is just eliminating animal proteins and not replacing it with the right types of foods or eating a lot of processed vegan foods that are out there, it may not necessarily be healthier than a whole foods diet that includes meat.” According to Docherty, there has been a lot of research supporting the vegan diet as a way of lowering risks of heart disease, diabetes and maintaining a healthy weight. Overall she believes diet should be individualized and recommends finding a diet that is well-balanced and suits your lifestyle.
Healthy choices during the holidays diet which counts their protein and carbohydrate intake. “People should adjust their A proper diet during the dates if a party is coming holiday season has become up,” said Howe. “Make sure an important factor in staying they get their work outs every healthy. morning, or they can eat corDuring the holidays, people rectly the rest of day by adjustcelebrate by organizing parties ing their workouts. To mainand get-togethers with friends tain a healthy lifestyle people and family. It is easy to forget should eat food that fills their about personal health when it body with the correct nutrients comes to eating during the fes- and follows their diet plans.” tivities and endless food. Aiza-May Rangonton, from Amy Howe, owner and man- the Windsor-Essex County ager of Howe Fit, suggests that Health Unit, said despite atpeople should take on a micro tempted dieting most people By Manvir Kaur
Mediaplex Examiner
do not get the proper nutrition over the holidays. “When the upcoming party or feast is going on you should eat normally like you would at the end of the day,” said Rangonton. “Some people like to hold off on breakfast and lunch as that can help with extra room but you are skipping the meals which allows your body to get very hungry and choose higher fat and salty food on the table in front of you.” According to Rangonton, people should fill half their plate with vegetables and sal-
ads before going to the main entree like meat or other fatty foods. “Eat your salad first and make sure proper protein and calories are in it,” said Rangonton. “Before and after dinner physical activities are important to keep in mind: this is a great time to go for a walk and catch up with family.” While staying aware throughout the holiday season is important, quality of life can always improve by maintaining a consistent healthy lifestyle throughout the year.
PAGE 8
WWW.THEMEDIAPLEX.COM
Community Living Windsor provides services for the mentally disabled
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2018
MARCO ROVER/MediaPlex Examiner
Lack of support for mentally disabled By Marco Rovere Mediaplex Examiner A class-action suit filed in Ottawa has increased concerns in Windsor over services provided to those with mental disabilities over the age of 18. In Ontario, laws and services for the mentally disabled change from the time they are children to when they turn 18. The issue is the fact there are differing rules applied to the two age groups. In Ontario after you are deemed an adult you must apply for services, which includes financial, emotional and physical support, rather than being entitled to them. Unlike children, adults must apply for the services and wait to see if they are eligible for government support. Xavier Noordermeer, is the executive director for Community Living Windsor. The organization has been providing mentally disabled adults with a wide range of support and services for the past 65 years. Noordermeer said the Ontario government should change the way they treat people with disabilities and close the gap between children and adults. “The system needs changes. If you receive
support from the government as a youth or your family does, that stops when you become an adult,” said Noordermeer. “In Ontario, we don’t have an entitlement system, there is nothing in the law or legislation that says you’re entitled to that support, so you have to apply to the developmental services Ontario for assessment and they will see if you are eligible.” According to Noordermeer, the only support guaranteed for those 18 or over is a one-time payment of $5,000 for support, which he says is not enough. “I know families who have had to quit their job because they need to stay home to support their loved one because they are out of school now and there is no support for them,” said Noordermeer. Noordermeer says Community Living has a huge waiting list for people with disabilities seeking different varieties of support. “Most people go on a waiting list for support and it creates stress and puts a burden on families. The impact on your family is huge emotionally and financially, and the government needs to find better ways to support these families,” said Noordermeer. Matt Iovino, 23, is a Windsor resident who
has been impacted by the services provided to the mentally disabled in Ontario. Iovino has a 13-year-old cousin dealing with disabilities and he believes that the Ontario government needs to balance the support and treatment of the mentally disabled. “The age cutoff needs to change because it isn’t fair to those who are born with different disabilities compared to the average person. They need the assistance and help of the community and that help should be provided no matter what age,” said Iovino. Iovino says that his cousin uses different services to help him control his life and find the perfect way to live. “Cutting that service out of his life when he turns 18 would cause intense stress on him and the ones who love him because nothing drastically will change about his condition.” As the hearing in Ottawa continues, people with mental disabilities and their families await the outcome. Community Living Windsor provides support to the families of loved ones who deal with disabilities. For more information visit their website at www.clwindsor.org or contact them at 519-974-4221.
PAGE 9
WWW.THEMEDIAPLEX.COM
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2018
TAMAS MIKO/MediaPlex Examiner
A view of Santa’s new workshop at Devonshire Mall
Santa sits on new throne at mall By Kaitlynn Kenney Mediaplex Examiner
When heavy snow grounded Santa’s helicopter this year, Windsor Firefighters ferried him to Devonshire Mall in a bright, red fire truck instead. “This is the first time Santa has arrived in the fire truck, and that’s always a Plan B. So we are
happy to help him,” said firefighter Sean Costello, the coordinator of Sparky’s Toy Drive. About 300 people gathered in the mall’s parking and listened to the Windsor Optimist Youth Band while waiting for Santa to arrive. Children waited patiently but erupted with joy and screamed “Santa! Santa!” when he climbed down from the fire truck.
The band marched Santa into the mall where he sat on a new throne, constructed by contractors out of Montreal as part of a multi-million-dollar renovation project at the mall. Devonshire Mall Marketing Director Karen Niforos thinks this will be a busy season for the shopping centre. “We have seen an increase in
traffic. The stores have noticed it, since the opening of the new food court. It has just been fantastic so far,” said Niforos. “It’s been busy, the new retailers have been busy, and of course our existing retailers have been busy.” Niforos hopes the crowds who come to see Santa spend some time exploring the mall to see what is new this year.
Thank you to Franco’s Restaurant for donating pizza to this year’s Blitz!
519-258-3151 1545 Tecumseh Rd. E Windsor ON N8W 1C3
DINE IN TAKE OUT DELIVERY CATERING
SPORTS PAGE 10
WWW.THEMEDIAPLEX.COM
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2018
Windsor Essex providing great athletic opportunity
Loay Ali, Grade 10 Sports Academy student.
By Daelyn Davis Mediaplex Examiner
T h e Wi n d s o r E s s e x C a t h olic School Board is offering their students the opportunity to become the next Michael Jordan. The school board is giving their students the opportunity to sharpen their athletic skills with Sports Academy. The program is offered to any high school s t u d e n t b e t we e n G r a d e s 9-12. Instead of students taking a physical education class and particip a t e i n a va r i e t y o f s p o r t s throughout the semester, they can now focus on one sport and still earn a credit. Sports offered in the program are baseball,
basketball, hockey, soccer, dance and gymnastic. The Sports Academy basketball coach, Pe ter Cusumano, plans not only to enhance the students’ skills on the court, but mentor them to be respectful off the court. The course offers 50 hours of specific sports training and 60 hours of fitness, theory and health curriculum. “ I l o ve b a s k e t b a l l a n d I l o ve c o a c h i n g , ” s a i d C u s u m a n o . “ I ’ ve b e e n d o i n g t h i s f o r 3 8 ye a r s a n d w h e n they asked me to work at t h e A c a d e m y i t wa s a n a t ural fit. This is a great wa y t o d o w h a t I l o ve a n d I hope I’m giving these kids something they en-
DAELYN DAVIS/Mediaplex Examiner
joy.” Whether students seek t o i m p r o ve t h e i r t h r e e point shots or learn to dribble, the Sports Academy is open to all. Cusumano says he has a specific goal; bringing students dreams of making their high school teams come true. When Grade 10 student L o a y A l i m o ve d t o C a n a d a t h r e e ye a r s a g o h e d i d n ’ t k n o w w h a t b a s k e t b a l l wa s , but when he saw the game i t wa s l o ve a t f i r s t s i g h t . After trying out for the basketball team in Grade 9, Ali fell short, but he did n o t g i ve u p . S i n c e j o i n i n g the Academy, Ali has seen t r e m e n d o u s i m p r o ve m e n t in his game and plans on
trying out for the basketb a l l t e a m a g a i n t h i s ye a r . “This program has helped me a lot with my speed and my handles and a lot of other drills that I now understand,” said Ali. “Other students s h o u l d t a k e a d va n t a g e o f this opportunity because if they aren’t that good a n d wa n t t o g e t b e t t e r t h e y should just come here because this program actually makes you better.” The Sports Academy is open to all high school s t u d e n t s i n t h e Wi n d s o r Essex Catholic District School Board and if take n a d va n t a g e o f m a y m o l d them into the next athletic superstar.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PAGE 11
WWW.THEMEDIAPLEX.COM
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2018
CASSIDY MCNEA/MediaPlex Examiner Wyatt, the shih tzu, dressed as a beanie baby
Concerns with giving away dogs for Christmas cial responsibility that owners have to keep track of. Recipients might not be financially stable While dogs can make amazing enough to take care of another companions, there are concerns living thing. The type of breed, with giving them away as gifts. how much you are willing to The Windsor Humane So- pay and where you will get ciety has noticed pets be- your pet vaccinated are factors ing given away as gifts are that have to be reviewed when being returned to them. adopting or purchasing a dog. According to the Windsor HuMelanie Alexander is a dog mane Society, dogs are a finan- owner and receptionist at Brack By Alayna Raja
Mediaplex Examiner
Animal Hospital and feels pets should not be given as gifts. “The idea of giving someone a pet as a gift is very nice, (but) I strongly prefer not to give pets considering allergies and preferences of the owner-to-be,” said Alexander. On the other hand, some people believe pets make great gifts. “To be honest I’d rather prefer getting a dog as a gift if it
is from someone I love. I feel like I would be more emotionally attached to my pet that way,” said Lynn Peralta, a student at St. Clair College. Even though buying a pet for someone else is frowned upon, The Humane Society is still looking for caring homes for their animals. For more information you can visit Windsorhumane.org.
PAGE 12
WWW.THEMEDIAPLEX.COM
Art prescriptions By Joyce St. Antoine Mediaplex Examiner
Doctors are prescribing a trip to the museum as a way to counter chronic illnesses. Described as a first in Canada, Montreal will have a yearlong program issuing up to 50 prescriptions to patients, grant free admission to the Museum of Fines Arts starting in November 2018 with an art series full of paintings, sculptures and relaxation. While there are no structured programs locally, the Art Gallery of Windsor’s doors are open to the those who benefits from using art to deal with situations they are going through. Chris Finn, curator of education for the Art Gallery of Windsor, said there have been enough responses from participants in the trials from the Montreal program to see the benefits. “It helps to redirect their attention to whatever is stressing them out at a particular point in time, and it’s also been more recently assessed that artmaking has certain benefits in terms of enhancing self-esteem and social interactions,” said Finn. “It removes them from an isolated situation.” Finn said this is an area where there has been some publication and they are still doing clinical trials to determine the benefits, but a lot of the evidence has been anecdotal from what he read. Patricia Coates is professional artist who works with multimedia performance, video and film. She currently has a series at the AGW. Coates said art is a way to reflect things that are happening around us. “For me personally, art is a way to uncover something about who we are as humans, to investigate the human con-
dition. In this process of investigation, I see art as a way to unfold something about us,” said Coates. “We are both creative and destructive at the same time.” Coates believes art has the power to give people a greater perspective on humanity and artists work with difficult ideas and subject matters to raise hard questions. “I think art has a power to to take us outside ourselves, so really compelling art can show us a bigger picture and can question meaning in life and place,” said Coates. “If we are all challenging these difficult times and issues together, there is this feeling of collective support.” Olivia Akey started her specialized art education at the University of Windsor’s School of Creative Arts and is now continuing her education at the Emily Carr University of Art and Design in Vancouver, B.C. She said she has created many works about times of struggle in her life and has found that art has helped her to better understand her thoughts and feelings. This has allowed her to express her feelings instead of bottling them up. “Galleries tend to be peaceful places where artists display their visual forms of expression,” said Akey. “ While not all art is emotional, much of it is, and often the works that aren’t meant to be are made emotional through the viewer’s interpretation.” Touring the art gallery can also be paired with other common relaxation strategies. Just outside the AGW’s doors is Windsor’s Sculpture Garden and the scenic Riverfront trail. The AGW is open five days a week, and the Sculpture garden can be accessed until 11 p.m every night of the week.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2018
New cannabis law increases need for impaired driving awareness By Ashley Gholampoor Mediaplex Examiner
Mothers Against Drunk Driving has renewed a campaign involving impaired driving for cannabis users. Chaouki Hamka was elected to the regional director in September 2018 following 15 years with MADD. Hamka joined MADD when he was enrolled in the law and security program. He was required to have volunteer hours to complete the program. “I blindly chose MADD out of a list that was provided,” said Hamka. “After completing the program, I continued to volunteer for MADD Windsor and Essex County.” Hamka said on multiple occasions he has reported impaired drivers, including when his car was hit by an impaired driver. “I was very lucky to walk away without any injuries,” said Hamka. “The driver that hit us was arrested and charged at the scene of the crash.” Hamka said he renewed the campaign because of the new cannabis legalization laws in Canada. The MADD website contains multiple tips on and how the public can be aware of what a potential impaired driver will act like. The 911 campaign ranges all across Canada and the idea is to motivate people to report any suspected impaired drivers. Three new offences have been created as of June 2018. “There is a zero tolerance for novice and commercial drivers,” said Hamka. “This means if you are under the age of 21 and have a G1, G2, M1 or M2 licence or an A-F licence. MADD does not provide any counselling services but does provide victim support services. There are more than 20,000 victims and survivors who are given support all across Canada every year, according to the MADD website. It also states the services are free. Hamka said he enjoys being JOYCE ST. ANTOINE/Mediaplex Examiner part of the organization and it Chris Finn, curator of education at the Art Gallery of Windsor.
gives him the opportunity to assist in the growth of MADD. He said it is a different type of leadership role and his love for humanity assists with that. “I am humbled and delighted to support victims and survivors of impaired driving,” said Hamka. Victims are our number one priority and I personally believe in that.” Jora Dhillon, 52, was an impaired driver but said he stopped drinking and smoking at the age of 29. “I hurt myself, my wife, my parents and other family members with my addiction,” said Dhillon. “It was unfortunate for whoever would run into me while I was on a binge.” He said he would be over the legal limit of alcohol driving in the morning and would then smoke cannabis all day. Dhillon said he was dangerous while intoxicated, being arrested on several occasions. “One minute I was your best friend, then I could turn and put a glass in your face,” said Dhillon. “I’m not proud of my past but it is that.” Dhillon started drinking alcohol when he was 11 years old and started smoking cannabis at 13 years old. He said he did both because he would always do anything he was not supposed to do. Dhillon said he regrets drinking and driving and due to his arrests, it affected his ability to get a job. “I lost my dream job in auto repairs and I loved cars,” said Dhillon. “I couldn’t make it to jobs on time and it affected everything in pursuing and progressing my dreams.” Dhillon joined Alcoholics Anonymous 21 years ago. He said he is happy that he is in recovery and is anti-drinking and driving altogether to keep himself and others safe. “I stopped because I was sick and tired and mentally and spiritually bankrupt,” said Dhillon. “I’m so happy I did not kill anyone or myself.” MADD Canada encourages everyone who suspects anyone who is an impaired driver to call their local police or Crime Stoppers.